Exact details of how the 27-year-old Dutch time trial world champion crashed are unclear, but Team Sunweb confirmed on social media that he had left the race before the half-way point. The squad later confirmed that he did not require hospital treatment.

In a statement from the squa’s medic, Team Sunweb said: “Tom has sustained multiple bruises and abrasions to his chest, hand, arm and leg. With no fractures, hospital treatment is not needed.”

It is a set-back for Dumoulin, who was using Tirreno-Adriatico to get ready for a defence of his Giro d’Italia title Dumoulin won the three-week Italian Grand Tour last year and is set to ride again in May.